Monsanto Chianti Riserva 'Il Poggio' 1995

Was $239.99, Now $195.00

92 POINTS: Antonio Galloni; Vinous Media

"Although Castello di Monsanto is known for many different wines, it is the Chianti Classico Riserva Il Poggio that has made this estate's reputation. This very ageworthy, silky yet powerful wine is from a true cru, five hectares of vines with many different exposures; the vines are planted parallel to the side of the hill, at an altitude between 280 and 320 meters on very poor, friable galestro soil. The modern-day Il Poggio wine, made without the inclusion of white grapes and using more modern winemaking practices and a percentage of grapes from the newer plantings, was born in 1968. However, I have been following this wine since I first got the wine bug, and I can guarantee that the more old-fashioned wines made prior to '68 can be exceptional when kept in a good cellar, including the 1962. I point out that the Riserva Il Poggio (as well as Monsanto's non single-vineyard Chianti Classico Riserva) are always fairly shut down when young, and really need five to eight years of bottle age to begin showing all they have to offer "
- Antonio Galloni

A mature Chianti Classico Riserva from the Castello di Monsanto estate. 1995 is considered a `classic` vintage, in which the elegance of Sangiovese predominates rather than its power. A blend of 90% Sangiovese 10% Canaiolo and Colorino aged 50% in 5000 litre Slavonian oak casks and 50% in French oak barriques for 18 months.

 ABV: 14%